If you have ever seen a nest of these ants, you probably know what a big deal they are. This species is native to many forested areas throughout the world. Nevertheless, they are not a pleasant nuisance for homeowners. Read on to learn more about the different ways to deal with carpenter ants. And remember that you should not attempt to get rid of them without following some basic precautions.
Carpenter ants live in moist wood. Generally, they prefer wood that has been dampened by water leaks. You may have also noticed a nest of these ants in the wall void behind your dishwasher, or in the hollow column of your porch. They are easy to spot by their clear galleries and piles of excrement. You should always remove them before you notice a serious structural compromise in your home. For this reason, it is crucial to thoroughly inspect the area.
Besides removing the ant colony from your home, you should also remove fallen tree branches. In addition, prevent any dead branches from touching the roof. Besides, make sure to repair any wood that has been damaged by water or rot. Moreover, keep your garden as dry as possible. You should also check the wood for aphids if you see nests of carpenter ants in it.
If you are looking for an effective way to control carpenter ants, you can follow these tips. Carpenter ants do not eat wood, but they eat other insects and human food. They may even establish nests in your home and infest it. They live for up to 25 years. They lay nine to sixteen eggs in their first year and reproduce for up to six months. However, if you see signs of carpenter ants in your home, you should seek professional help immediately.
The onset of a carpenter ant infestation can be detected early, allowing you to prevent further damage. Preventing water leaks and adjusting grading around the house are some of the best prevention methods. Besides that, you must install proper screening and door sweeps on your entry doors and windows. Seal foundation cracks with caulk to prevent future infestations. Ultimately, the best way to control carpenter ants is to prevent their arrival in the first place.
The colony of carpenter ants can reach a size of up to 3,000 individuals. Each colony is comprised of workers and sub colonies. The main colony develops in about five years. It can also have several satellite colonies. The older mature colonies continuously produce winged reproductives, with 200 to 400 winged individuals produced each year. They swarm in the spring and early summer. If you notice any of these signs, it is time to take action.
If you have noticed a nest of carpenter ants, you can find it easily by following ants or noticing “frass” near the wall. If you can hear a faint rustling sound in the wall, then you have likely found a carpenter ant nest. To treat your home for carpenter ants, Terminix recommends drilling 1/8″ holes every six inches in the areas where they’ve been found. Once the nest is found, you can puff boric acid into the holes. You may have to repeat the process several times before you can eradicate them completely.